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“Tom Cruise has more fun in one day than most people do in a lifetime”- Throwback to Red Bull having the Mission Impossible star drive their F1 car around Willow Springs

Somin Bhattacharjee
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"Tom Cruise has more fun in one day than most people do in a lifetime"- Throwback to Red Bull having the Mission Impossible star drive their F1 car around Willow Springs

Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise was behind the wheel of a Red Bull Formula 1 car during a promotional shoot back in 2011.

Cruise is one of the biggest movie stars in the world. His popular franchise Mission Impossible, has shown fans just how good his stunt moves and action scenes are. However, seeing the actor drive an F1 car is something not many expected.

He has been involved in several F1 events so far, and last year he also attended the British GP as Mercedes’ guest. His only time driving an F1 car on the other hand, was back in 2011. This was a year before the sport started racing in Austin as a part of the US Grand Prix.

The event took place in Willow Springs, California which is one of the country’s most iconic speedways. His arrival at the track itself was in typical Tom Cruise style, as he looped a helicopter mid-air, before landing it on ground.

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard was present on scene to receive him, and guide him through the briefing process.

Also read: “You can check my heart rate probably won’t go above 100”: Michael Schumacher reveals he never got adrenaline rush pushing the car to its limits

Tom Cruise getting up to speed was remarkable, former Red Bull driver Coulthard claimed

Coulthard carefully guided Tom Cruise through all the instructions before he took the car out for a spin. The Brit praised the now 59-year old actor’s ability to take in every instruction and execute it to perfection.

“For someone that is so skilled in his main career, he’s able to take in information very quickly and then go replay that on the race track,” Coulthard said.

“He’s been through a lot of tracks done a lot of laps. So he’s got the visual, he understands the, you know, how to take the car around the race track. It was remarkable how quick he got up to speed.”

One of the most striking moments of the video was Cruise’s presence of mind. He lost control of his car at one point and spun off track onto the dirt. Most people who aren’t associated with F1 would just stop then and there, but Cruise understood that an F1 car must not sit idle for long with it’s engine running.

He instantaneously took bac control and brought the car back on track. It was a move that earned plaudits for the man who plays ‘Mr. Ethan Hunt’ on screen.

Also read: “I don’t care much” – Kimi Raikkonen reflects on how he wants to be remembered by the fans

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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